Nashville vs Orlando: Short-Term Rental Rules Compared (2026)
Nashville is currently "allowed with permit" while Orlando is "primary residence only". The bigger difference is eligibility: Orlando restricts rentals to the host's own residence, while Nashville permits dedicated rentals. On cost, Orlando is the cheaper market to license ($275 vs $313). Full verified details for both markets below — always confirm current requirements with each jurisdiction.
Side by side
| Rule | Nashville, TN | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Allowed with permit | Primary residence only |
| Permit required | Yes | Yes |
| Permit name | Short Term Rental Property (STRP) Permit | Home Sharing Registration |
| Permit fee | $313 | $275 |
| Renewal | Annual | Annual |
| Primary residence only | No | Yes |
| Owner occupancy required | No | Yes |
| Night cap / year | None found | None found |
| Minimum stay | 1 night(s) | None found |
| Total occupancy taxes | ~16.75% | ~12.5% |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 | July 10, 2026 |
Compare guest tax loads
Switch between the two markets to see itemized occupancy taxes on the same stay.
| Gross rent | $450.00 |
| Tennessee state sales tax (7%)· collection varies | $31.50 |
| Davidson County local option sales tax (2.75%)· collection varies | $12.38 |
| Metro Nashville-Davidson County Hotel Occupancy Privilege Tax (7%)· collection varies | $31.50 |
| Total tax (16.75%) | $75.38 |
| Guest pays | $525.38 |
Estimate only. Platform collection varies by listing site and agreement; verify rates with the taxing authorities.
Nashville, TN
Short-term rentals are legal in Nashville (Metro Nashville-Davidson County) only with a Short Term Rental Property (STRP) permit from the Metro Codes Department, which costs $313 and must be renewed annually. The biggest restriction is zoning: new not-owner-occupied (investor) permits are banned in residential districts (AR2A, R, RS, RM) and are only issued in commercial, mixed-use, and downtown districts, while owner-occupied permits remain available in most residential zones (limited to natural persons, one permit per lot in single- and two-family districts, max four sleeping rooms). Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
Full Nashvillerules, playbook & sources →Orlando, FL
Orlando only allows short-term rentals (under 30 days) as owner-occupied 'home sharing': the owner or a long-term tenant must live on-site and be present during every stay, only one booking at a time is allowed, and no more than half the bedrooms may be rented — renting out an entire home short-term is prohibited in residential zones (whole-unit 'Commercial Dwelling Units' are limited to O-3, MU and AC commercial districts). Hosts must obtain an annual Home Sharing Registration ($275 first year, $100-$125 renewals, with a yearly interior inspection), and guests pay roughly 12.5% in combined state and Orange County taxes, which Airbnb and Vrbo collect on platform bookings. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
Full Orlandorules, playbook & sources →Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules change frequently in both markets; verify current requirements with each jurisdiction before operating.